Elastamom's Excerpts

I just had to share these with you. These were on negatives (remember those?) and I finally got them transferred to a CD. I am so thankful to have these to share with you. Enjoy my tiny, precious newborn Olivia.

I wanted to start sharing some of my favorite things from Pinterest. To draw you in. Come join me. Come drink the kool-aid that is Pinterest. Come on! It’s fun. You’ll love it. Come on over. My sister says I need a Pintervention…but whatever. Come on, everyone’s doing it.

Please?

Happy Thursday. It’s almost Friday!!!

I work from home and, quite a bit of the time, it’s really quiet here and I’m doing “paperwork” type stuff like planning lessons, grading, etc. So I watch TV. It keeps me company and…I love it. I’ve always liked “What Not to Wear” (WNTW) but have just recently started watching it every day. I’m declaring today that every woman should watch that show. Every. Woman.

I say that not because most people dress badly. (Although I do think some people could do with some advice from Stacey and Clinton. I mean “PINK” should never be on your ass unless your 16. Ahem.) I say you should watch it because they find the best parts of every woman’s figure, dress their body to emphasize that best part, and make the woman feel like a million bucks. Shouldn’t we all do that? Instead of focusing on what’s wrong with our figures, focus on what’s right and show it off!!!

Very few women on the show have “perfect” figures. They’re not supermodel freaks or anything like that. They’re just normal people. And they all look like a gorgeous when they’re done. Most of the women have completely stopped putting themselves on the map. That’s my other favorite part of the show. These women have totally stopped caring about themselves. Whether you like to believe it or not, the way you look says a lot about you. If you’re wearing huge sweatpants and a hole-filled sweatshirt with your dirty hair under a baseball cap and no make-up, you’re saying something. Whether you mean to or not. I’m not saying there’s not the occasional time and place for that attire…but every day? You deserve better than that. And that is exactly why we should all watch this show.

After the women get their clothes made over, they get a new haircut and a make-up lesson. Have you ever realized what a good haircut and a little mascara can do for a person? A ton! I just love watching these women realize that they are beautiful and they deserve the time to make themselves look good, and more importantly, feel good.

It’s helped me too. I’ve been trying to be nicer to myself. Watching this show helps me realize that you don’t have to have a perfect figure in order to look…great! I always feel good after watching this show. I have even considered dressing frumpy for a while so someone would nominate me so I could get to meet Stacey and Clinton and win a free wardrobe!

what are you waiting for? Go set your DVR!

When I see that look on your face, and I know something’s bothering you, it breaks my heart. I keep trying to tell you that the sooner you share what’s wrong, the better you feel, and I think you’re starting to understand. When you hold things inside, they just sit on your chest and fester and make you feel worse.

You must let it out.

When I was tucking you in the other night and I could see in those emerald-green eyes that something was really bothering you, I’m so glad you finally told me, even though it’s never easy to let it out. I hope I said the right thing. This motherhood thing isn’t easy and I just hope I’m doing a good job.

I hope the right thing was telling you that you’re perfect just the way you are. That you are strong, you are healthy, you are a fast runner, you are the most active kid I know and THAT’S what matters. That you are so smart, so kind, so loving and so GOOD and that’s what matters. I hope I gave you some good examples of people who don’t care what others think and are just themselves and that is awesome. I hope I said the right thing.

Last night, when those emerald-green eyes told me something was bothering you again, I was glad to hear you tell me your worries. I tried to tell you that the girl is probably picking on you because she likes you, but even I know how dumb that sounds. I bothers you and that’s what matters. It doesn’t matter the reasoning behind it. I listened while you told me everything. Then I made you look me in the eye while I told you that I’m ALWAYS here for you. No matter what. You always have me, Dad and Amma to talk to. Always. Even if you think it’s something too horrible to share, we will listen and we won’t judge. If you’re drunk at a party, you call me and what will I do? “Come pick me up,” you said. If you’ve made a bad choice that you know we won’t agree with, tell me anyway. I will listen. No matter what it is, no matter how old you are, I will always be here and always listen and never judge.

You’re the best part of me, the best part of Dad, the most amazing boy I know. I just hope I said the right thing.

Kristen over at Motherese posted this to kick off the new year…and I loved it. So, of course, I asked if I could borrow it and she said yes! Don’t you just love the blogiverse? Me too. We’re already 23 days into the new year and I, for one, haven’t stopped reflecting on the fact that time is really flying. This seemed like the perfect way to slow down a bit and…reflect.

1. What was the single best thing that happened this past year?

One single thing? Geez, I’m starting off with a tough one. My Mom got a divorce. That’s the best thing that happened in 2011.

2. What was the single most challenging thing that happened?

Matt losing his job right before school started was challenging. His new teaching assignment was a big challenge as well. So teaching for Toledo Public Schools was the most challenging thing for us.

3. What was an unexpected joy this past year?

All of my kids going to school. As much as I miss them, it allows me to get my work done and be free from it once they’re home. It’s nice.

4. What was an unexpected obstacle?

Matt losing his job again. It caused us to cut back financially and some things we had planned went by the wayside. But, luckily, we’ve ended up better off than we ever have been…probably because it caused us to take stock in what’s really important. And it sho ain’t money!

5. Pick three words to describe 2011.

Busy, fun and love.

6. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe your 2011 (don’t ask them; guess based on
how you think your spouse sees you).

Exhausting, stressful and crazy.

7. Pick three words your spouse would use to describe their 2011 (again, without asking).

Exhausting, stressful and crazy.

8. What were the best books you read this year?

The Karin Slaughter books—I love her. She’s been my favorite find of 2011.
Check out my “Read with Me” page for more…there are too many!!!

9. With whom were your most valuable relationships?

My husband, my kids, my Mom, my friend Amy and my friend Michelle.

10. What was your biggest personal change from January to December of this past year?

I started being kind to myself. It’s made a huge difference!!!

11. In what way(s) did you grow emotionally?

I feel as though I grew closer to my family, which I didn’t think was possible because we were so close already. I feel like our circle of 5 is as strong as ever.

12. In what way(s) did you grow spiritually?

I taught my children about God, Jesus and the Bible this year. That has been an interesting journey for us all.

13. In what way(s) did you grow physically?

My breasts seem to have taken on a life of their own. My friend Amy says that’s what happens when you get old. Ha!! I continue to push myself to get stronger. Olivia’s not getting any smaller!!

14. In what way(s) did you grow in your relationships with others?

I feel like I tried to be more open and honest about my feelings. I’m not good at that.

15. What was the most enjoyable part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

I just love to teach. The days when I have class and I actually get to teach, I just love. The most enjoyable part of my work at home is reading with my kids. I love it that my boys can now read independently; Gabe and I read Harry Potter together this year and I will cherish that forever.

16. What was the most challenging part of your work (both professionally and at home)?

Working from home is always a challenge. I could work 24 hours a day and still not be done. That is always a huge challenge. That and not going upstairs to take a nap at noon.

17. What was your single biggest time waster in your life this past year?

Pinterest!!! But I love it and I don’t care.

18. What was the best way you used your time this past year?

I have been really good at relaxing more on the weekends. Sure, there’s laundry and cleaning and work to do; I’ve been really good about saying “Fuck it all!” and reading a book instead.

19. What was biggest thing you learned this past year?

That my well-being is just as important as everyone else’s. I shouldn’t put myself last.

20. Create a phrase or statement that describes 2011 for you.

It’s been a while since I’ve done the award thing, but since Melissa, my new friend from A Wide Line, bestowed this on me, I really wanted to follow through! Thank you, Melissa, for this fun idea for a Friday.

Here’s how it works:
Thank the blogger who gave you the award.
List seven things people may not know about you.
Pass the award onto fifteen bloggers and notify them.
Post the badge on your blog.

I’m going to pass it on to 5. Fifteen is a lot of linking up and I just don’t have the energy for that today!!

Is there anything you all don’t know about me? I don’t think so but here we go.

1.) I think when Matt and I grow old, we will have separate TV rooms. We have complete opposite TV tastes, except for Walking Dead. I like fluff, fun or drama in my TV. He likes to learn things. Blech.

2.) Every time I go somewhere without my family, I’m convinced something terrible is going to happen. Even if it’s just a short trip to Columbus or something. Why do I do that?

3.) I really want to get purple or pink highlights in my hair but I fear I’m too old. I am. I know it. But I still want them to go with my short hair-do.

4.) I would also really like a nose ring. I know, I’m too old. But still. I want.

5.) Last December, I bought a $200 dress for a wedding. It looked fantastic. Then I took it back because it cost so much money. I ended up wearing an old wrap dress that I don’t like anymore, felt terrible in it, changed into pants and a sweater before the reception because I couldn’t take the Spanx anymore, and went feeling like a frump. Buy the dress people!

6.) I bought an $80 pair of boots last week and am in love with them. I struggle with wanting to take them back but I’m not going to do it. They’re impractical and ridiculous and I love them. We have a girls’ night tonight and even though we’re not going anywhere, I’m wearing my boots. So there.

7.) I was a French major for a while in college. Until they told me had to go and live in France for at least a semester. The thought of moving to a foreign country for 6 months freaked me out so much, I quit. I’m such a chicken.

Ok, so nothing fascinating or earth-shattering but I hope it was interesting! Here are the 5 bloggers I’m passing it on to. I’m choosing 5 of my new favorites so you can fall in love with them too!!

Kid Things
Motherese
My New Favorite Day
Living Life with E’s
Claire Matilda

I find that sometimes there are too many bad things. A friend’s daughter passes away, a little girl is denied a kidney transplant, a friend’s son is assaulted, a friend has cancer. It’s too much. It makes you want to throw up your hands and say “Why even bother?”

I’ll tell you why. It’s the small things. Small but mighty.

It’s watching your youngest son grow into a big brother seemingly overnight.

It’s seeing your little guy’s hand on the small of his sister’s back while he guides her through a crowded play area.

It’s seeing your little guy tell the kids behind him to stop bouncing while his sister climbs and back off because “She has special needs!”

It’s having your oldest son clean his sister’s room without being asked and your youngest son do the same by changing the laundry.

It’s having a cup of coffee, with just the right amount of cream and Truvia, delivered to your spot on the couch each morning by your loving husband.

It’s watching your son work for hours on his book report and come home beaming with an A+ and glowing remarks.

It’s watching your daughter write the first two letters of her first name, all by herself, after 11 years of practice.

It’s listening to your daughter tell a story with details and adjectives and humor…and she wasn’t even supposed to talk.

It’s listening to your oldest son teach your youngest son how to properly wash his hair in the shower.

It’s playing a board game after dinner as a family.

It’s going to bed every night knowing that you have loved completely and that you are completely loved.

It’s realizing that every single moment is a gift and we should treasure them all. Even the small ones.

Sometimes this world of special needs just…sucks.

If you read my post on Saturday about Amelia, you know what I’m talking about. My stomach seriously hurt all day Saturday thinking about it. A doctor deciding that a child’s life wasn’t worthy simply because her brain doesn’t work like everyone else’s? A hospital administrator saying that a mother was too involved? What is this world coming to?

My friend Hannah and I were chatting on Friday and she was upset because a little girl in their therapy group had passed away. To quote Hannah, “I didn’t sign up for this shit.” I totally agreed. It’s heartbreaking.

On Sunday, my dear friend Jenni had to say goodbye to her sweet little almost 5-year-old daughter Celia. Celia had been battling Batten’s Disease for almost 4 years. Her parents knew it was fatal and simply had to watch and wait for her to die. Devastating.

While it’s true that these things do…absolutely suck…I have learned so much from being in this life of special needs. Jenni and I had a conversation just last week about my “I Will, I Won’t” post. I was worried that I had offended her because she wrote that she didn’t have any “I wills”. My heart broke for her. But she assured me that she knows I treasure each and every one of my wills…and try not to dwell on the don’ts. She has taught me so much through her blog and our friendship. She finds the joy in life and tries to learn from her experience with Batten’s instead of letting it devastate her.

I guess what I’m asking is will you pray for them. I can’t imagine losing a child. Even if it was expected. I can’t imagine the devastation they are going through right now. Will you keep them in your thoughts? Thank you.

I saw this post a while ago on Holly’s blog and loved it and asked her if I could steal it. Thankfully, she said yes.

I never want to get so caught up in the minutiae of every day that I forget to enjoy my kids RIGHT NOW. They’re my heart, they’re my soul, they’re my everything.

I read a post this morning that made me sick to my stomach and broke my heart. Go here and read it and then help us spread the word and sign the petition. Please.

If this little girl isn’t worth saving, then what about mine? What if they had decided that my little girl didn’t deserve to live? Please help.